How to Set Your Wedding Budget

Budget calculators and templates of wedding budgets can help a bride get started, but she should ensure that the budget is customized to reflect her priorities for the wedding day.

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By Tonya Wells

Overview

Planning a wedding can be stressful. There are lots of items on the wedding to-do list that must be attended to. One of the first is the wedding budget. The wedding budget is a rough estimate of how much the couple are willing to spend on their big day, and there a various ways to set a winning budget.

Step 1

Discuss your goals and must-haves for your wedding with all parties involved. Ultimately, the decisions should be made based solely on what you and your bride- or groom-to-be want; however, discussing options with family (especially those who are willing to contribute) will get you started on your budget properly.

Step 2

Print a wedding budget worksheet and be sure to fill in the desired amount for each category. Your wedding budget worksheet should include the following sections and subsections: ceremony, reception, wedding attire (including rings), flowers, music/entertainment, transportation, stationery, gifts and the honeymoon.

Step 3

Research vendors and find ones that fit into your budget. Bridal showcases, which are held nationwide and online, provide brides-to-be with information on available vendors. Consumers can request prices on the spot or may have to set up a consultation with a vendor to discuss pricing options.

Step 4

Determine the number of guests for your wedding. You can also figure out the general amount you will spend on the reception based on the number of guests invited. If needed, decrease the number of wedding guests to help you meet your desired financial goals.

Step 5

After setting the budget, be sure to stick to it! Do not alter your budget in any way for anyone after you have set it. Breaking the budget is an early indicator of irresponsibility in the marriage. Prove that you are focused and can follow a detailed plan.

Step 6

Save your money and plan ahead of time. Start a savings account with you and your spouse-to-be specifically for the wedding and honeymoon. Make all payments from the account so that you can keep track of what you are spending.

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Wedding budget worksheet

Savings account for the wedding

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Wedding budget worksheet

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Savings account for the wedding

tip

Planning a wedding a year in advance is optimal. However, if you do not have that length of time, be sure to use a calendar to plan accordingly (even if it is a rush turnaround).

tips

Planning a wedding a year in advance is optimal. However, if you do not have that length of time, be sure to use a calendar to plan accordingly (even if it is a rush turnaround).